The Chicago Traveler

A little bit of Belgium has made its way to Chicago. It’s all the rage in Europe, and now it’s here in a tiny little space on Clark Street: the Zücker waffle. Baladoché (a made-up name meaning “tasty and sweet”) in Lakeview is dishing out nothing but waffles. And they’re not served only during breakfast or oozing with butter and syrup. These grab-and-go goodies are the “other” Belgian waffles.

“This is the only place in the United States that you can get these type of waffles-the Zücker waffle,” says Theresa Fadke, Baladoché manager. The Zücker waffle (also known as the Liège waffle) was invented during the 18th century in Belgium for the Prince of Liège as a portable snack, and is typically eaten in Belgium just plain, sweet enough to eat without any toppings. But don’t let that stop you from trying a variety of versions. For example, have it slathered with imported Dutch chocolate; it’s so good.

These waffles couldn’t be more authentic. All of the ingredients are imported, right down to the water. And they’re made with a wheat-based, yeast-rising dough, rather than a batter, but the secret is all in the vanilla-infused sugar pearls. “In the waffles, it’s little pieces all throughout the dough, and then as that’s cooked at 400 degrees, the pearl sugar bursts, so it makes pockets inside of the waffle,” Fadke says. “It kinda makes its own syrup.” The treats take about five minutes to make, and cost $4.59 without cinnamon sugar, $5.50 with.

There’s nothing like Baladoché. Most people think that a Belgian waffle is just a regular waffle with powdered sugar or syrup on it. These Belgian waffles are a street food; they’re warm, sweet, and ready to go.

The menu also offers illy coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, Italian gelato, sorbet, and of course Belgian chocolates, available for 92 cents apiece or in 18-piece bulk boxes for $16.51. When the weather’s nice and warm, you can order any of these delicious treats via their walk-up waffle window. Or stop inside the silver and white café with seating for about 15 at tables in the back and at the stainless steel counter. And with free wi-fi, you can e-mail all your friends about this sweet treat.

Baladoché ($): 2905 N Clark St; 773-880-5090
Sun - Thurs: 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Fri - Sat: 8:00 a.m. - 12 midnight
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 22, 76
http://www.baladoche.com/